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A compromise solution is sought by Western Bay mayors so supermarkets planned for growth areas are not disadvantaged by a cap imposed on bottle store numbers.

Commercial interests have challenged a joint-council proposal to restrict off-licences to the current 74 outlets in Tauranga and 35 in the rest of the Western Bay.

Tauranga's Mayor Stuart Crosby said the issue was that where there was growth, such as Tauriko and Papamoa East, there should be appropriate liquor outlets but they should be "constrained" in existing built-up areas.

He said the councils were trying to strike a balance because the community had told them they did not want any more bottle stores.

The greater the access to alcohol, the more potentially negative impacts there were on the community, he said.

Mr Ahipene said supermarkets had come a long way since the days when they did not sell alcohol and they now represented a big chunk of takeaway liquor sales.

He questioned whether supermarkets wanted to be linked with a marked increase in alcohol-linked dysfunction in the community.

"They should be grateful for what they have got and start putting people before profits. They have got to start giving back."

Te Puke councillor Sue Matthews said the council was keen to cap off-licences in Katikati and Te Puke.

The community had given the councils a clear mandate not to increase the number of bottle stores, and that should be honoured, she said.

Proposed Local Alcohol Policy

*Capping the number of off-licences (bottle stores etc).*Off-licence trading hours 7am to 10pm.*Pub and club trading hours (excluding Tauranga downtown) 9am to 1am.*Downtown pub hours 9am to 3am with one-way door restriction from 2am.*Granting of new licences to have regard to proximity to existing licensed premises and schools.